Clinton's Advisers are Making
Veto Threats on Spending Bills

WASHINGTON -- Faced with a shortened calendar and a hostile Congress, President Clinton is flexing his muscles early in hopes of not being treated as a lame duck.

The White House is increasingly confident it can win next week's House vote on China trade -- giving the president a political boost. But from Kosovo to education, Mr. Clinton faces a series of challenges that have his top advisers talking tough and making veto threats on spending bills that have yet to be debated.